By Roger Lanse

Out-of-town hikers reported suspicious activity on the Continental Divide Trail near Twin Sisters Peak on Feb. 23. In a letter addressed to no one in particular, but obtained by the Beat, the writer stated "we encountered 2 men who obviously were NOT hikers. Not only were they not dressed for hiking but they were pulling a small 'yard' wagon. This wagon upset, as would be expected as the trail was not near wide enough to ever accommodate a wagon. The wagon was covered in a plastic tarp and containers for 2-3 gallons of liquid exposed. The 2 individuals looked and acted as it they were not comfortable doing what they were doing." The writer's mind went immediately to a "meth lab," according to the letter, although the writer stated they really didn't know.

The letter goes on to state that they made three calls, a 911 call, and two to what was probably the U.S. Forest Service - Gila National Forest. The hikers said those answering the phone didn't seem interested in pursuing the information. However, the dispatcher who took the 911 call told the Beat that the caller did not offer much information and was uncooperative. When the dispatcher attempted to call back for additional descriptions no one answered.

According to blotter information received from the Grant County Regional Dispatch Center, the 911 call came in at 4:31 p.m. on Feb. 23, regarding the suspicious activity. Grant County Sheriff's Department Lt. Fermin Lopez stated that deputies were dispatched and searched the Burro Trail and Little Walnut Campground but had negative contact. "Without better information there was little more our deputies could do."

Tim Bertrand, Patrol Captain, Law Enforcement Investigations, Gila and Lincoln national forests, stated as other possible explanations for the containers of liquid in the wagon, that dry land miners will carry water to do their gold panning, and that cattle allotments are present in the area.

Bertrand also told the Beat that he determined one of the other two calls may have been answered by the front desk at the GNF Supervisor's office and that the female caller seemed more upset about a pickup parked in a roadway. He said attempts by one of his officers to contact the caller for more information have proven unsuccessful.

Lopez and Bertrand said that the easiest way to report suspicious activity, especially if you are a visitor to Grant County, is simply to dial 911. The event will then be routed to the appropriate agency for investigation. Lopez added that the more information a caller to 911 gives, including description of individuals and vehicles, clothing, and direction headed, the easier it will be for responding officers. "And we certainly advise not approaching the subjects, we don't want to see anyone hurt," Lopez said.